ASTRONOMICAL TOURISM AND SOLAR ECLIPSE CHASING

Solar eclipses have been observed by humans for thousands of years and have been recorded in the archives of the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Chinese going back 4,000 to 4,500 years. Precise predictions of their occurrences in space and time only date from the 19th Century when the dimensions and dynamics of the solar system became well characterized. Once precise prediction was proven to work, people began making expeditions to observe eclipses.

With the recent rise of inexpensive and convenient worldwide travel, some travel businesses were established to cater to people wanting to experience these rare and spectacular astronomical events. This presentation will provide some sense of what participants on these trips have been able to see and do.

Ken Lum, Tom Stephany, and Jacques Guertin have been veteran amateur solar eclipse chasers for many years. All have a wealth of travel experience. They will discuss some of the logistics of their preparations and the remarkable results of their efforts.